Fred Blinne's 88 Convertible

He'll Never Let This Red/Red Ragtop Get Away

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Way back when, Fred Blinne owned a 365hp 64. Corvettes were in his bloodwhen he married, all the cars in the procession were Corvettes, and his family is full of enthusiasts. His brother-in-law owns a 61; his son-in-law, a 96. When finances dictated that Fred sell his 64, he vowed to own another someday.

Someday came 20 years later, in September 1988, when he purchased this Dark Red Metallic convertible from Reedman Chevrolet in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. When he took possession, the Corvette was covered with acid-rain spots. Against advice, he had the dealer power-buff the spots out. He says hes always getting compliments on both the color and condition of the paint, which vindicates that decision.

And Fred isnt going to let this one get away. After nearly 13 years of bliss, his only complaint is that he doesnt drive it as much as hed like to. Thats not to say its spent most of its life in the garage. He drove it to the grand opening of the National Corvette Museum in 1994, and each fall he makes the trip to the Ecklers Reunion in Florida, a good little jaunt from his home in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He takes it to local car shows, and the pristine 88 has brought home its share of awards.

The 88 spends its off-road time in a spacious three-car garage and gets plenty of TLC. Freds father owned a service station, so Fred has inherited a great stash of tools that help him keep his pride-and-joy in tip-top condition. Since he is the original and only owner, he knows exactly how the car has been maintained and what has been modified. Hes added a Stage 1 chip, a TB air foil, and an adjustable fuel-pressure regulator. Other than that, the car is completely stock.

He and his wife Miriam are looking forward to more road trips and many more years of Corvette living.

This 1980 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is fully loaded and fully equipped with fresh paint, a brand-new interior, a 350ci motor, an automatic transmission, and much more! Check out the details and pictures at Vette Magazine. » Read More